Latest Mets-Pete Alonso update could benefit Mariners in free agency

This offseason has undoubtedly been a disappointing one for Seattle Mariners fans and likely Jerry Dipoto so far. In years past, fans were treated to an extremely active GM that rewarded them with a flurry of moves early on that inspired confidence throughout the holiday season.

Unfortunately, this year it looks as though Dipoto and Hollander have misjudged the market to a certain degree, forcing them to pivot and reassess the best way to improve this roster.

That pivot will likely result in lesser-known players like Hyesong Kim, Amed Rosario or even deferring to in-house options like Ryan Bliss and Tyler Locklear. However, recent reports of Dipoto and the Mariners offering Carlos Santana the most guaranteed money before he signed with the Guardians could suggest that Seattle has more money to work with than was previously let on.

If the Mariners do have more money than many previously thought, they are sure taking their time to spend it, all while most of the impactful names have been scooped up by other teams and even their biggest rivals. But some recent news could make their new strategy favorable.

Pete Alonso-Mets contract negotiations could allow Jerry Dipoto to make massive signing

No one expects the Mariners to be working with a budget rivaling the New York Mets or the Los Angeles Dodgers, but fans are clamoring for just a reasonable payroll for a bigger market team. Is $190M to much to ask for John Stanton? Apparently.

But if there is any glimmer of hope for this team actually acquiring a legitimate, proven bat, Jon Heyman's piece in the New York Post may have provided just that. Heyman stated that the Mets and Alonso have a "sizable gap" in their contract negotiations. Then reports surfaced that the Mets offered the Polar Bear a three-year deal worth $90 million total. This is where the Mariners could get creative and pounce.

While the details of the specifics of the contract are unknown, Dipoto could very well make a compelling offer with all sorts of opt outs and incentives to make it work within Seattle's budget. It's possible the Mariners guarantee another year or two, but at a $25 million AAV that includes opt outs throughout the contract allowing Alonso to re-test the market could end up being appealing. This doesn't seem like an unreasonable deal for a 30-year-old home run champion. It seems like a longshot, but people thought the same thing before the Mariners signed Robinson Cano.

This is the only way Dipoto and the Mariners can compete with a team like the Mets. With the options dwindling quickly, acquiring one of the best offensive players on the free agent market this offseason might be the only option for Dipoto (other than sitting idly by and completely failing the offseason). Time will tell, and it's unlikely, but this would be a move that would send a signal from ownership that they are ready to finally commit to building a legitimate ball club capable of winning a World Series.